This Simple Sausage Casserole is a warm, hearty dish packed with juicy sausages, tender veggies, and tasty herbs. It’s like a big hug in a bowl on chilly days!
I love how it all cooks together in one pot. Plus, it makes the kitchen smell amazing! You can whip this up quickly, and it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Sausages: I recommend using a variety of pork sausages for the best flavor. If you’re watching your diet or prefer a lighter option, turkey or chicken sausage works well too.
Ground Pork: This is optional but adds more heartiness. You can skip it or use veggie crumbles for a meat-free version. It’s perfect for those who want a lighter casserole!
Cherry Tomatoes: These add sweetness and brightness. If you can’t find them, chopped regular tomatoes or even canned diced tomatoes will do just fine. Just drain them slightly to avoid extra moisture.
Self-Raising Flour: If you don’t have self-raising flour, mix all-purpose flour with 1 tsp baking powder and a pinch of salt to get the same effect.
How Do I Get Perfectly Browned Sausages?
Getting that nice golden-brown color on your sausages is crucial for flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat the olive oil in your pan over medium heat. Make sure it’s hot before adding sausages.
- Cook the sausages, turning them every few minutes for even browning. They just need to be browned on the outside, as they will finish cooking in the oven.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—give them enough space to crisp up nicely!
Taking these steps ensures your sausages are not only tasty but also add a lovely texture to your casserole. Enjoy your cooking!
Simple Sausage Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 8 pork sausages (about 16 oz or 450g)
- 1 lb (450g) ground pork or sausage meat (optional, for extra filling)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme or mixed herbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
For the Batter Topping:
- 1 cup self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup milk
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 15 minutes to prep, and then you’ll bake it for 25-30 minutes. So in total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it will be hot and ready for your casserole when you’re finished preparing.
2. Brown the Sausages:
In a large frying pan or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausages and cook, turning them occasionally until they are browned on all sides but not fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the sausages from the pan and set them aside.
3. Cook the Onion and Garlic:
If you’re using ground pork or sausage meat, add it to the same pan now. Cook until it’s browned and crumbly. Then, add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened, which should take about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute to release its flavor.
4. Add Tomatoes and Herbs:
Now, add the halved cherry tomatoes, dried thyme or mixed herbs, salt, and pepper to the pan. Pour in the beef or chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to a casserole dish. Carefully arrange the browned sausages on top of the mixture—this will ensure they stay juicy while baking!
6. Prepare the Batter Topping:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the self-raising flour, baking powder, salt, egg, and milk until the batter is smooth. This will create a lovely topping for your casserole.
7. Pour the Batter:
Evenly pour the batter over the sausages and meat mixture in the casserole dish. Make sure it’s well distributed so every bite has that delicious topping!
8. Bake It Up:
Bake the casserole uncovered in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is golden brown and the sausages are fully cooked.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Serve it warm with mashed potatoes or a side of steamed greens, and enjoy your comforting, hearty Simple Sausage Casserole!
Can I Use Beef Sausages Instead of Pork?
Absolutely! Beef sausages will work just fine in this recipe. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious. You may also want to check the cooking time, as different meats may vary in how quickly they cook.
What if I Don’t Have Self-Raising Flour?
No worries! You can easily make a substitute. For every cup of self-raising flour, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of baking powder and a pinch of salt. This will give you the same leavening effect!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or oven until heated through. If it seems dry, add a splash of broth while reheating to keep it moist!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add more veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots. Just chop them into similar sizes as the onion and garlic so they cook evenly. Just be mindful that adding too much moisture might require additional cooking time!
